Ferguson ready to forego summer spending

Pa
Wednesday 06 August 2008 10:39 EDT
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Manchester United's Anderson is one of a number of Brazilians playing for clubs in the North-west
Manchester United's Anderson is one of a number of Brazilians playing for clubs in the North-west (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he may not buy anyone this summer.

Ferguson has not added to his Champions League-winning squad, despite being linked with a host of big-name targets.

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is still on the Scot's wanted list and discussions will continue over other potential signings until the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

However, despite a growing injury list that looks certain to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and half a dozen other senior men out of the opening Premier League game against Newcastle on 17 August, Ferguson may keep his cash where it is.

"We might well start 2008-09 with largely the squad we had last season - and after all, they didn't do too badly," he said.

"We have not brought in the kind of top-quality player everyone seems to be expecting.

"We are still researching and looking but it is not easy and certainly we are not desperate."

In Nani, who will be suspended against Newcastle, and Anderson, who is on Olympic duty with Brazil, United have two men likely to show significant improvement on their first year at Old Trafford.

Angola striker Manucho is due to apply for a work permit and success of that, plus the emergence of Rafael da Silva at right-back and the failure to get Berbatov for a price he feels is realistic could be enough to convince Ferguson he does not require any new blood.

"We have the right balance of youth and experience thanks to the work we did in the transfer market the previous year," he claimed.

"In terms of numbers we have been boosted by the return from loan of several young players who have the potential to go all the way.

"So I think we already have the men for the job."

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